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2. Prepare cake mix as directed for a 9-inch two-layer cake, adding the strawberry jello to the batter and beating until well blended. Pour batter into the prepared pans and bake as directed.
3. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
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Thick Vanilla Frosting
(I doubled the recipe)
1 cup shortening (I used white crisco)
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
4 tablespoons milk
Beat together shortening and vanilla until well blended. Add two cups of powdered sugar a bit at a time while beating. Add 2 tablespoons milk and beat until well blended. While mixing, slowly add the rest of the powdered sugar and milk until you get the right thickness for your desired frosting.
The frosting recipe is very rich so I tried to keep the frosting layer thin on the cake.
Best Cheesecake
(Make the day before, it needs to be refrigerated overnight)
12 whole graham crackers (finely crushed)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pint sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch springform pan.
2. Combine graham crackers, 1/2 cup sugar, and butter in a medium bowl. Press mixture into the bottom of the greased springform pan. Chill.
3. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. (I have a Kitchen Aid stand mixer and I beat it several minutes on high speed).
4. Pour on top of chilled crust and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. (I doubled the recipe so I wasn’t sure how long to bake it. I would check to see if the center looked done. I think I may have baked it too long).
5. In another bowl combine sour cream, 1/3 cup sugar, and vanilla. Pour on top of the cheesecake and smooth out. Bake for 7 more minutes at 450 degrees.
6. Refrigerate overnight. This must be made a day ahead.
7. Serve with berries if desired.
The Party
Dual candle lighting
Happy Birthday to B !
“I wish for … ”
Before M could cut the cakes, little fingers helped themselves to the frosting. This is what happens when grandpa DD is watching the grand babies. As you can see, The Princess is checking to see if the cheesecake is going to taste as good as the pink cake.
The pink cake was pretty but the cheesecake was the hit of the party.
Why the pink cake?
M said that B had requested the cake not be white or chocolate.
Beverly says
They both look delicious, and B looks very happy.
Heart of Rachel says
Both look so appetizing. I love cheesecake too. Belated Happy Birthday to B.